ANAHEIM, Calif., July 29, 2015 – During a memorable evening of poker, dinner and cocktails that featured current and former Angels players, Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) and Angels Baseball Foundation hit the jackpot, as the 3rd annual Aces and Angels Poker Tournament raised over $50,000 to help fund college scholarships for students in need.

“We’re thrilled by the results of our casino night, which brought together heavy hitters from the world of baseball and philanthropy in support of educational excellence for every student,” said Neda Eaton, president and CEO, IPSF. “Yet the biggest winners are Irvine students. Scholarships for students to continue their education beyond high school as well as grants to fund teaching professionals are especially important, as well as to staff enrichment programs in reading, math, science, technology, and the arts.

Presented by sponsors Dr. James P. Lin and Mrs. Grace on July 26, the 3rd annual Aces and Angels Poker Tournament turned the Ketel One Club at Angels Stadium into a glamorous casino complete with baseball players sitting at every poker table. Angels players who participated included Chuck Finley, Garret Anderson, Bobby Grich, Clyde Wright, Matt Shoemaker, Mike Morin and Kyle Kubitza.

This year, more than twenty companies and community organizations sponsored the tournament.

IPSF welcomed an extended list of returning and new sponsors, including ClearPath Solutions, Carsmetics, OC Maids, Diptyque, Schools First Federal Credit Union and Rutan and Tucker. Thanks to their generous involvement, IPSF can bolster its commitment to direct funds to IUSD to support public education initiatives, including an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Mathematics) programming.

Attendees were treated to specialty cocktails created by mixologists as well as food catered by Legends. The menu included short rib tostadas, gourmet sliders and a martini bar sponsored by Ketel One vodka.

Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of enriching the educational experience of each child in every school. Founded in 1996 by concerned parents and community leaders, IPSF sponsors enrichment programs and provides financial support to ensure a world-class education in Irvine schools. In addition, IPSF excels at uniting local corporate and community partners, parents and residents in raising funds to nurture student potential. Each year, IPSF provides millions in funding to Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) to support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education, small-group learning, after-school and summer programs, grants for classroom innovation, and support for athletic trainers and school nurses. For more information about IPSF, visit ipsf.net.